"From the moment we pulled onto the grand drive that led to Combermere Abbey, I knew this was a special place. I'm a big believer in first impressions, and this venue seemed to be infused with romance from first sight. We all fell silent as one when we drove along the winding drive towards the Victorian gothic house with its fairytale-turreted cottages in the converted stable block."

Authoress Miranda Dickinson describes herself as "a writer, a dreamer, a hopeless romantic, and an eternal optimist" - and the piece above is from the opening page of her new novel, It Started With A Kiss. 

Launched late last year by Harper Collins' Avon imprint, it is Miranda's third romantic novel, and yes, it's partly set at Combermere Abbey. The Abbey has been described as hugely romantic many times over the centuries, so it's no surprise that Miranda found inspiration here. The story revolves around Romily Parker, who is a singer in a band who specialise in playing at parties and weddings - and it to entertain at a wedding which brings her to Combermere, which she first sees through the window of the group's van. What follows? Well, you will have to read the book to find out, but you won't be surprised to learn that there's love waiting to be found.

We are going to have copies of It Started With A Kiss for sale at the external events we attend throughout this year, and we also have a few signed copies to give away in competitions (so watch this space). You can learn more about Miranda by clicking here.